Meet the candidates for Lake Ozark BOA Ward III

Wednesday

Mar 27, 2013 at 12:26 PMMar 27, 2013 at 12:30 PM

Incumbent Lake Ozark Ward 3 Alderman Todd Painter is being challenged by Betsey Browning in the April 2 general municipal election. Two other alderman are running unopposed. Browning and Painter were asked a series of questions. Their answers follow.

Incumbent Lake Ozark Ward 3 Alderman Todd Painter is being challenged by Betsey Browning in the April 2 general municipal election. Two other alderman are running unopposed. Browning and Painter were asked a series of questions. Their answers follow.

Betsey Browning

Background:I am Betsey Browning, 41 years old. My husband Keith and I have been married 11 years and we enjoy our two sons and two grandbabies, all of whom are residents of Lake Ozark as well. I have worked in real estate and financial planning for 10 years, then for the past six years as the owner/operator of The Dam Bait Shop and Campground here in Lake Ozark.

Why are you running for alderman? Please be specific.I have seen the specific needs of the city from a citizen and a business owner’s viewpoint and feel I can make a positive contribution to the continued advancement of our city. I believe it is time that all citizens should be heard and that it is time to bring common sense back into our city government.

List three challenges the city faces in the next five years.I believe improved street and road maintenance and improvement and general "clean up" and beautification of areas that have been neglected should be a priority. In addition, establishing and implementing a progressive plan for promoting our city for development and tourism is a must. The improvement of the simple things that can be done to improve our quality of life here in Lake Ozark such as sidewalks, bike and jogging trails, improved street lighting, etc., would make a big difference in our city as well.

Do you feel the city is headed in the right direction?There have been some improvements in the climate here in Lake Ozark, but there is a real need for the establishment of specific developmental and improvement plans and guidelines to take our city to the next step. I want to ensure that the city of Lake Ozark embraces business growth and development. It is what will bring jobs, stability, opportunity for growth, revenues for the city, revenues for schools — it helps to protect and enhance our property values. It is good for our community.

The city has refused to lift the open container law for special events, and has recently toughened its disorderly conduct rules. Do you think those decisions are in the city’s best interests and why?The open container law is there for specific reason, and for good reason. But serious consideration should be made for the relaxation of it only for special events and tourism-related events that have a large impact on the city both in the sense of positive exposure and increased tax revenue, as long as the events are well planned and controlled. Our city needs to be more eclectic and evenhanded in providing benefits for all, not just a select few. The recent disorderly conduct ordinance seems to have the perception that it is too broad and gives the appearance that it may breach the 1st Amendment right of speech. I believe in The Constitution and Bill of Rights it protects all of us. I believe the ordinance is necessary but needs to be looked at more closely and possibly be re-written to be more specific.

The city created a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district that resulted in the creation of Eagles’ Landing. Do you favor the use of TIFs to encourage commercial developing within Lake Ozark?TIFs do provide development, investment opportunities and increased revenues to areas that could, or would not normally be used for such improvements. Any requests for future TIF plans would have to be weighed on their specific merits as to the benefit to the city and the financial impact to the city as a whole.

Todd Painter

Background:

I have been back in the lake area for six years. My wife and I own and operate a commercial cleaning company and I am the systems consultant for B & B Heating and Cooling, I am currently an alderman for Ward 3.

Why are you running for alderman? Please be specific.

I think the progress that has been made in the past couple of years is just the beginning of what can be done. I said the last time that I ran for alderman that I knew we could do better and I think we have.

List three challenges the city faces in the next five years.

Maintaining financial progress, keeping the pace of growth, and maintaining the level of services to keep up with the growing community.

Do you feel the city is headed in the right direction?

Yes and let's keep it going.

The city has refused to lift the open container law for special events, and has recently toughened its disorderly conduct rules. Do you think those decisions are in the city’s best interests and why?

These two topics are hot button issues. The open container law was rejected twice this past year. I think that an open container event in a confined and controlled area is a reasonable request. The disorderly conduct issue in hindsight I would have liked to push the passing of that ordinance to two meetings so we could have had some public input.

The city created a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district that resulted in the creation of Eagles’ Landing. Do you favor the use of TIFs to encourage commercial developing within Lake Ozark?

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